• ALGAE
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.239-253
• /
• 2003

The morphotaxonomic characters of the genus Spirogyra were investigated to clarify their taxonomic category and the variation range among species on the basis of comparative morphological and numerical analyses by unialgal cultures and field samples collected from various freshwater habitats in Korea. 25 characters selected on morphological feature of the species were examined on 568 individuals for morphological comparisons and numerical analyses. Width, length and their length/width ratio of vegetative cell, shape of septum, chloroplast number, maximum width, width, length and their length/width ratio of female gametangium, length of male gametangium, size and shape of zygospore, and cell wall ornamentation of the spore showed a comparatively high vector in principal component analysis. In cluster analysis, 15 taxa analysed were divided into 8 major groups by the average taxonomic distance 1.0 level. Considering the morphology and numerical analysis, Spirogyra crassoidea could not be recognized as an independent species, therefore it was treated as a variety of S. ellipsospora. S. koreana (nom. invalidum), recognized as a new taxon, is under the investigation for its clear taxonomic category.

• Journal of Plant Biology
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.59-66
• /
• 1991

The morphotaxonomic characters and life history of Symphyocladia latiuscula (Harvey) Yamada were investigated with field and laboratory culture materials. The species is well defined by a 5-15 cm hight, entirely corticated thallus and congenital fusion of 5-7 segments between main axis and laterals. Although all the reproductive structures are basically similar to those of other species of the genus, it is characteristic that the pinnulae are transformed into the flabellated tetrasporangial stichidia. Vegetative trichoblasts are known to be absent in the Pterosiphonieae, but their presence in S latiuscula does not accept its taxonomic position in that tribe. As a result, the occurrence of vegetative trichoblast is not useful for a taxonomic character to distinguish the tribes. The species shows a Polysiphonia-type life history involving a dimorphic alternation of gametophytes and sporophytes in culture and field. It grows below the middle intertidal zone in all the coasts of Korea throughout the year, although fertile plants are normally found during the summer months.months.